National cannabis organization suspends operations, citing active illegal market

HALIFAX — A national cannabis lobby group representing licenced producers and processors is suspending operations, citing challenges tied to the unregulated cannabis market.

The Cannabis Council of Canada says the decision reflects the headwinds facing the industry, as companies are challenged by financial pressures, complex regulations and the “highly active” illicit market.

The organization says these pressures have put a strain on the producers and processors it represents.

The council’s president, Paul McCarthy, says the organization has been calling on Ottawa to establish a national strategy for eradicating the unregulated cannabis market.